Are you looking for a good pellet grill that won’t break the bank? If so, look no further, we have everything you need. In this article, we’re going to show you some of our favorite pellet grills under $500.
Lounging in a hot kitchen on a hot summer day can be a lot of fun. In those moments, firing up the grill for an impromptu barbecue is a great choice for quick and easy cooking. There are many amazingly sophisticated grills available today, but they can also be quite expensive. But don’t worry, it is possible to find great pellet grills online at an affordable price.
Pellets are essentially compressed sawdust or wood chips that burn cleanly and efficiently. They are often compared to charcoal briquettes, but burn cleaner and produce less ash. Pellets also tend to last longer than briquettes and are used in many grills to produce a tasty smoke. This means they can be smoked while the meat is cooking, adding a real smoky flavor that is very enjoyable. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best pellet grills available online for under $500.
Best Pellet Grill Under $500
What is a pellet grill?
A pellet grill is like an outdoor convection oven that uses ignited wood pellets and a ventilation system to heat food to a specific temperature.
The temperature is controlled by the amount of pellets burned. With an electrical outlet and a few pounds of quality wood pellets, you can grill, smoke, bake or braise food on a pellet grill.
With these grills, you don’t need to be a grill master. Pellet grills make it easy to smoke food while you enjoy cooking. Most are versatile, either 8-in-1 or 6-in-1.
That means they can do it all.
- Grill
- Smoke
- Baking
- Roasting
- Braise
- Barbecue
How do you use a pellet grill?
- The wood pellets go into a hopper
- The pellets go through an auger
- The compressed wood pellets are ignited by the hot rods
- A fan controls the air flow
Before you buy a pellet grill, you need to understand how it works.
Step 1: Place the wood pellets in the hopper
Place the wood pellets in a container called a pellet hopper.
Step 2: Move the pellets with an auger
The pellets are moved from the hopper to the combustion chamber using an auger.
Step 3: Pulling the compressed pellets with hot rods
Here, the pellets are ignited with a hot metal rod. This is what gives the wood its taste and aroma.
Step 4: Control the wind with a fan
The pellet grill is equipped with a fan that distributes heat and smoke throughout the grill. This airflow controls the temperature and helps regulate the temperature during cooking. This allows the natural aroma of the wood to swirl around the smoker, giving the food a wonderful flavor. Pellet grills have some similarities to conventional grills, but are superior in taste, ease of use, efficiency and flexibility.
Best Pellet Grill Under $500 | Comparison Table 2023
Image | Title | Buy | |
---|---|---|---|
Top | Camp Chef PG24MZG SmokePro Slide Smoker with Fold Down Front Shelf Wood Pellet Grill, Pack of 1, Black | Camp Chef | Check Price |
Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill Smoker with PID Controller, 700 Cooking Area, Meat Probes, Rain Cover for Outdoor BBQ, 7002C | Z GRILLS | Check Price | |
PIT BOSS 71700FB Pellet Grill, 700 Square Inches, Black | PIT BOSS | Check Price | |
Cecarol Pellet Grill with wheels, Wood Pellet Smoker with Temperature Probe, 250 Sq In Cooking Area, Tabletop Small Smoker Grill for Backyard, Garden, Patio, Black-SK1 | Cecarol | Check Price | |
Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Black | Traeger Pellet Grills | Check Price | |
ASMOKE Pellet Grill, 700 sq in Wood Pellet Smoker Grill Combo for Outdoor Cooking, 8 in 1 portable Outdoor Grills & Smokers with Auto Temperature Control, Include 3 BBQ Grill Accessories | ASMOKE | Check Price | |
Cuisinart CPG-4000 Wood BBQ Grill & Smoker Pellet Grill and Smoker, 45" x 49" x 39.4", Black | Cuisinart | Check Price | |
Monument Grills Octagonal Column Wood Pellet Grill Outdoor Smoker , Sturdy , Heat Insulation, 530 Sq-In Cooking Area | Monument Grills | Check Price | |
Oklahoma Joe's 20202105 Rider 900 Pellet Grill, Black | Oklahoma Joe's | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Pellet Grill Under $500 | Reviews 2023
1. Camp Chef PG24MZG Smoke Pro
- SLIDE AND GRILL- grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and barbecue with Premium wood-fired flavor on a single grill. Digital control, best of both Worlds, use the meat probe to check the internal temperature or toggle the grill temp with the push of a button
- NEW PID CONTROLLER- Gen 2 PID Controller 1-10 Smoke Setting (Not WIFI Compatible)
- EASY ASH CLEANOUT- cleaning between cooks is as easy as pulling a lever, thanks to the exclusive ash cleanout system You won’t find on any other grill. That means less time wrestling with the vacuum and more time enjoying heavenly food
- EASY ASSEMBLY and start up- check out the walk-through assembly video on camp chef site, so you can get cooking right away. In just a few minutes, you’ll be ready to load up the grill with whole chickens, Brisket, ribs, jerky, & more
- FOLDING FRONT SHELF- comes with full sized folding shelf PGFS24 $74 MSRP
- Slide Smoker with Fold Down Front Shelf Wood Pellet Grill, Pack of 1, Black
2. Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill
- PID CONTROLLER - Automated electric feed system maintains temperature from 180°F to 450°F, the cutting-edge PID Controller keeps temps within plus/- 20°F throughout your cook
- HUGE CAPACITY - 700 sq in grilling space is great for Home, party, and tailgating; 24 lbs large-capacity pellet hopper offers a longer cooking time
- BUILT TO LAST - Sturdy steel construction with a high-temperature powder coating finish makes the pellet grill long-lasting
- VIEWABLE WINDOW - Conveniently monitor pellet supply without having to lift the lid with the view window; You’ll be smoking for hours without needing to refill
- HOPPER CLEANOUT - It makes emptying the hopper and swapping pellet flavors a breeze, Get ready to infuse your food with rich smoky flavor
- EASIER SMOKE - The large LCD screen with 2 included meat probes, Just set it and let it work, No babysitting the grill.
- SUPERIOR MOBILITY - 2 rugged wheels easily conquer any backyard terrain, while the 2 casters with locks promote smooth rolling and secure your grill in place
- Smoker with PID Controller, 700 Cooking Area, Meat Probes, Rain Cover for Outdoor BBQ, 7002C
3. PIT BOSS 71700FB Pellet Grill
- 700 sq. in. total cooking surface.
- Porcelain coated wire grids with upper cooking rack
- Digitally controlled burn system.
- Fueled by 100% natural Pit Boss wood pellets.
- Perfect for family cookouts and small gatherings
- The Pit Boss 700 series offers the best value per square in the pellet grill industry! the 700FB has been perfectly designed to be as versatile as it is
- In. Pellet Grill with Flame Broiler and Cooking Probe - Walmart.com. The Pit Boss Wood Pellet Series offers the best value per square inch
- 700 Square Inches, Black
4. Cecarol Pellet Grill wheels
- WHY CHOOSE PELLET SMOKER GRILL: Great Wood-Fired Flavors. Maybe your neighbor has a pellet grill and you have smelled the deliciousness of the food from the grill. The smoked pellet grill is better for people who like a robustly smoky flavor and who want to bake slowly and enjoy their food.
- EXPERIENCE A REAL BARBECUE: The Cecarol pellet grill 8-in-1 ability means you can grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, sear, broil, and bbq with pure, hardwood flavor. This pellet smoker has a PID controller with an adjustable temperature range of 150°F-450°F. Enjoy the wood-smoked flavors of your food.
- PORTABLE & HOME DESIGN: This portable grill is suitable for grilling in the backyard, balcony, garden, or patio. With a 250 sq inches of cooking area, it has plenty of cooking space to grill your favorite foods. Let you show your grilling skills anytime, anywhere. Enjoy incredible wood-fired flavors.
- EASY TO USE & EASY TO CLEAN: Ultra-clear large display 30-degree operating surface. Once you set the temperature, the pellet grill will start grilling automatically. There is a grease trap on the side for draining grease from the surface.
- SMOKER: Portable pellet grill provides you with a wonderful life experience.
- Wood Pellet Smoker with Temperature Probe, 250 Sq In Cooking Area, Tabletop Small Smoker Grill for Backyard, Garden, Patio, Black-SK1
5. Traeger Grills Tailgater Portable
- NEVER USE GAS OR CHARCOAL AGAIN: Traeger created the original wood-pellet grill as the ultimate way to achieve wood-fired taste. The Tailgater is our most capable of our portable wood pellet grills
- PRECISION TEMPERATURE CONTROL: The Digital Arc Controller maintains a plus/minus 15 degree F temperature control to guarantee precision grilling, and a temperature range of 180-450 Fahrenheit
- Take your grill and your wood-fired BBQ wherever you go. Whether it’s your truck tailgate, the parking lot, out at the campsite or anywhere your travels take you, you’ll never have to leave your smoke behind
- EZ fold legs, a grill capacity of 300 sq inches, and capacity for 12 burgers, 3 racks of ribs or 2 whole chickens
- 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, braise, roast, bake, or BBQ
- Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Black
6. ASMOKE Pellet Grill Wood
- Perfect Taste: This 8-in-1 wood pellet grill and smoker can cater to all your favorite tastes, allowing direct or indirect grilling, and can cook BBQ, bake, roast, braise, smoke, sear, broil, and char-grilled food to perfection.
- Innovative Technology: This pellet smoker uses an advanced auto pellet feed system and temperature control system. The heating fan maintains the desired temperature from 180°F to 500°F for you. 15% faster than other pellet grills and saves up to 20% wood pellets.
- Large Capacity: The smoker grill offers 484 SQ.IN. Main rack + 216 SQ.IN. insulation rack, totaling 700 SQ.IN. Ideal for a large group outdoor cooking. Whopping 25.8LBS hopper capacity ideal for continuous smoking.
- Easy to Use: This BBQ smoker is easy to assemble. We have prepared 3 BBQ grill accessories for you, a waterproof grill cover, two precision tracking stainless steel meat probes, heat-resistant gloves.
- 5 Year Warranty: The outdoor grills & smokers will be delivered in 2 packages separately. You will get a perfect after-sales service when you buy our pellet smoker. We will give you a satisfactory answer over a call or email within 24 hours.
- Pellet Smoker Grill Combo for Outdoor Cooking, 8 in 1 portable Outdoor Grills & Smokers with Auto Temperature Control, Include 3 BBQ Grill Accessories
7. Cuisinart CPG-4000 Wood
- Free weather resistant grill cover included in purchase. This cover is the perfect combination of durability and convenience.
- Product Dimensions: 39.4 L x 18.1 W x 22.8 H | Weight: 103.6 lb
- Enjoy the wood pellet BBQ grill & smokers large 450 Square inch cooking area and 15 pounds of hopper capacity
- Super versatile! Grill, smoke, roast, braise, barbecue and even bake
- With wind and water resistant fabric, your grill will stand the test of time and be safe from the elements and even UV rays.
- Shelves included! Comes with a stationary side shelf and collapsible front shelf
- BBQ Grill & Smoker Pellet Grill and Smoker, 45 x 49 x 39.4, Black
8. Monument Grills Octagonal
- UNIQUE OCTAGONAL COLUMN OVEN DESIGN - Heat insulation, Energy-saving, Sturdy.
- CHIMNEYLESS DESIGN - Ensures the smoke circulates inside, suitable for outdoor use.
- LARGE COOKING AREA - 530 square inches of total cooking area with two adjustable chrome-plated cooking racks maximize the amount and types of food you can cook.
- PRECISION TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Precise temperature control and pellet feed control system guarantee your precision grilling.
- ADDITIONAL 2 MEAT PROBES - Food grade stainless steel probe, can be used for either BBQ or food, monitor the meat temperature or ambient temperature (smoker/grill).
- Column Wood Pellet Grill Outdoor Smoker , Sturdy , Heat Insulation, 530 Sq-In Cooking Area
9. Oklahoma Joe’s Rider Pellet
- Pit control system offers smarter cooking with two distinct guidance features: timer mode indicates when youve reached a set amount of time at your desired grill temp, and temp-probe mode indicates when your food has reached its target internal temp
- Live Fire plate can be opened for searing over live Fire
- Flex grate and flex racks systems integrate easily for superior versatility, allowing for a wide variety of configuration options (Additional accessories and racks sold separately)
- Quick draw hopper with 20-pound capacity enables simple removal, storage and swapping of pellet flavors
- Heavy-gauge steel construction for durability; fueled by all-natural hardwood pellets for rich wood-fired flavor
How To Pick The Best Pellet Grill Under $500 | Ultimate Guide 2023
Temperature Control Features
One of the most important things to consider when buying a pellet grill is whether it has digital temperature control.
While these types of grills tend to cost more than their analog counterparts, they offer better control over the temperature of your main cooking chamber.
Digital controls often turn up the heat to the required level and can automatically turn off to save energy and prevent your food from burning.
They are able to maintain the constant temperature needed to cook meat and fish to a tasty temperature.
If the temperature of the cooking zone rises or falls too quickly, food can burn or not cook properly.
The thickness of the walls and the efficiency of the pellet feeder also affect thermal stability.
Metal thickness
The walls of the main cooking chamber should be of sufficient thickness. This is not only a sign of a durable grill, but also of better heat retention.
This means that the temperature control unit doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the heat inside your grill at a constant level.
If you are buying a portable grill that you want to take with you on a camping trip, you can replace the heat retention with something slightly lighter.
This makes it much easier to load the grill into a van or pickup truck. Many Traeger grills come with extra thick insulated walls.
This is perfect for those who live in colder climates, as they can still grill food outside, even if they are in the middle of a snowdrift.
Portability
Most grills live in your garage and only come out during the summer months, and then only for a good barbecue. So you won’t have to lift or carry the grill much, especially if you buy a model with legs that have wheels.
However, you need to look carefully at your yard to see what type of wheels you are looking for.
If you want to push the grill out onto the patio, you can buy one that has smaller wheels, but you may need something a little sturdier to push it over long grass.
You can also find many grills on the market for tailgating. These are smaller models, often with folding legs, designed to be carried in the back of a pickup truck or van.
They are perfect for camping trips or other occasions when you can use your grill away from home.
If you’re thinking of buying a grill for the holidays, it’s best to choose one that’s lightweight and easy to transport. This will allow you to load it into your vehicle much more easily.
It’s also helpful to have one that can run on both 110V and 12V power. This gives you the option of plugging your grill into a regular wall outlet or using the car battery to power it.
Standby grills may not have much cooking space, but they are ideal for feeding a small family on a camping trip.
Cooking Space
You need to think about how the grill will be used and how many people you will be feeding at any given time.
If you just want a grill for your family to enjoy a nice summer barbecue with you, you can afford a cheaper model with less overall cooking space.
However, if you’re planning a large gathering or party, you’ll want a larger model capable of preparing meals for more people.
Most grills come with two shelves, with the bottom one being the hottest because it’s closer to the flame.
This allows you to have a constant rotation of food on and off the grill, and you can use the top shelf to make things last while other items cook.
Grill performance
Reasonably priced grills and smokers must still offer excellent cooking performance. Compared to regular grills, wood pellet-fueled grills are versatile, which improves their performance.
They should be able to grill using different temperature settings so you can smoke, barbecue, roast and braise meat.
Ease of use
What good is a large cooking area if you can’t cook all your food at once? Choose a product with multiple automatic functions. It should be easy to assemble and adjust. Non-stick cooktops are also a good choice for easy removal of food from the cooking rack.
Material
Since it will be used outdoors, it should be durable and weather resistant. Most quality pellet grills are made of stainless steel and will not rust, allowing them to last for years.
Cooking Style
The appeal of pellet grills lies in their versatility. Grilling, charcoal grilling, smoking, searing and even baking.
If you want your grill to be even more versatile, some models allow you to add accessories such as a griddle to the main grill. This opens up even more cooking styles and allows you to make things like freshly baked bread and pizza.
Some grills come with a movable sear plate. This is a piece of metal that covers the burner and heats the main cooking area.
The movable sear plate can be retracted to allow you to cook over an open fire. This is a great feature for those who like to grill over an open fire.
Hopper Capacity
The hopper is the box on the side of the grill that holds the wood pellets. Naturally, you want your grill to have a large hopper, because that means you won’t have to refill it as often.
However, if your pellets sit in the hopper for too long, you don’t want it to be too big, because they can absorb moisture from the air. This can cause the pellets to burn less efficiently and cook more slowly.
Warranty
Traeger has a three-year warranty, but Pitboss pellet grills now have a five-year warranty. This shows how confident Pit Boss is in the quality of their products.
Additional Features
In this area, Traeger has upped its game with the recently released WiFIRE technology. This allows users to connect their grill to their smartphone and cook remotely, from turning on the grill to setting the temperature.
Pit Boss offers a high-quality pellet grill, but doesn’t offer much in the way of additional features. That’s one of the reasons they offer it at a great price. Pit Boss and Traeger are definitely the best brands in terms of quality, temperature range, warranty and hopper size.
If you’re on a smaller budget, choose Pit Boss because it offers great value and is just as good as Traeger.
Price Comparison
Pit Boss has established itself as a more affordable brand than its main rival, Traeger. Pit Boss pellet models typically range from $400 to $700 USD. Smaller portable models are even less expensive, with top-of-the-line models costing $700 USD.
Traeger typically ranges from $600 USD for the most basic models to $2,000 USD for the top of the line products. Given Traeger’s price point, you can certainly get more for your money, but if you want a high-quality, inexpensive option, the Pit Boss will not disappoint.
Best Pellet Grill Under $500 |Video Explanation
FAQs
Are pellet grills worth their price?
Pellet grills are very versatile, allowing you to set the temperature and time, you only have to wait or spend time with your family, and you will receive a notification when the cooking is finished. We also translate this phrase as “set and forget”. They are very expensive, but you can get good pellet smokers for up to $500.
What is PID temperature control?
PID temperature control is common to many pellet grills. PID is a special feature that turns the temperature control on and off to maintain a constant temperature inside the grill.
The PID feature is very useful because it allows you to change the temperature quickly and by a small amount.
This means that the heating elements can be turned on and off as needed, keeping the temperature inside the grill at the ideal level for cooking.
Is a pellet grill better than smoking?
Pellet grills are a type of smoker that use wood pellets as fuel, and they can be a great option for those who want a more convenient and easy-to-use option than traditional charcoal or wood-burning smokers. However, whether or not a pellet grill is better than traditional smoking will depend on a variety of factors, including personal preferences and cooking needs.
Here are some factors to consider when comparing pellet grills to traditional smoking:
- Convenience: Pellet grills are generally more convenient than traditional smokers, as they require less effort and are easier to use. Traditional smokers require more attention and manual adjustments to maintain a consistent temperature and achieve great results.
- Flavor: While pellet grills produce a great smoky flavor, some people feel that the flavor is not as strong or distinct as what can be achieved with traditional smokers. This is largely a matter of personal preference and can be influenced by the type of wood pellets used and other factors.
- Versatility: Pellet grills are versatile and can be used for a wide range of cooking styles, from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat grilling, roasting, and baking. Traditional smokers are generally limited to smoking and slow cooking.
- Cost: Pellet grills can be more expensive than traditional smokers, and the cost of the wood pellets can add up over time. Traditional smokers are generally less expensive and require less ongoing costs.
Ultimately, whether a pellet grill is better than traditional smoking will depend on your personal preferences and cooking needs. If you value convenience and versatility and don’t mind the extra cost, a pellet grill may be a great option. However, if you prefer a more hands-on approach to smoke meat or want to achieve a stronger smoky flavor, a traditional smoker may be a better choice.
What are the negatives of a pellet grill?
While pellet grills are a popular and convenient option for smoking and grilling, there are some potential negatives to consider before making a purchase:
- Cost: Pellet grills can be more expensive than traditional charcoal or gas grills, and the cost of the wood pellets can add up over time.
- Complexity: While pellet grills are generally easier to use than traditional smokers, they are more complex and have more moving parts. This means that there is more potential for things to go wrong or break down over time.
- Power source: Pellet grills require electricity to operate, which means that they cannot be used in areas where there is no access to an electrical outlet or power source.
- Temperature limitations: While pellet grills can generally achieve a wide range of temperatures, they may not be able to reach as high temperatures as traditional charcoal or gas grills. This can make it difficult to achieve a good sear on meats or cook certain types of food.
- Flavor: While pellet grills produce a great smoky flavor, some people feel that the flavor is not as strong or distinct as what can be achieved with traditional smokers. This is largely a matter of personal preference and can be influenced by the type of wood pellets used and other factors.
Overall, while pellet grills can be a great option for those who want a convenient and easy-to-use smoker or grill, there are some potential negatives to consider before making a purchase. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and choose the option that best meets your cooking needs and preferences.
How long will a 20lb bag of pellets last in a pellet grill?
The length of time a 20lb bag of pellets will last in a pellet grill will depend on several factors, including the size and efficiency of the grill, the temperature at which it is set, and how often it is used.
As a general rule, a 20lb bag of pellets can last anywhere from 10 to 20 hours of cooking time, depending on these factors. Some higher-end pellet grills may be more efficient and use fewer pellets, while larger or more frequent cooks will require more pellets.
It’s also important to note that different types of pellets will burn at different rates and produce different levels of smoke and flavor. Some brands or types of pellets may be more efficient than others, so it’s a good idea to experiment with different options to find the best ones for your grill and cooking needs.
Ultimately, the length of time a bag of pellets will last will vary depending on a variety of factors, so it’s best to keep an eye on the pellet hopper and refill it as needed during longer cooking sessions to ensure that you don’t run out of fuel.
How much should you spend on a pellet grill?
The cost of a pellet grill can vary widely depending on the brand, size, and features of the grill. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars for a pellet grill.
As with any purchase, it’s important to consider your needs and budget when deciding how much to spend on a pellet grill. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Budget-friendly options: If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of entry-level pellet grills available for under $500. These grills may have fewer features and a smaller cooking area, but they can still produce great results.
- Mid-range options: If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can find high-quality pellet grills with more advanced features and larger cooking areas for around $800 to $1,500.
- High-end options: For those who want the best of the best, there are top-of-the-line pellet grills available for over $2,000. These grills often have advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity, multiple cooking zones, and high-quality construction.
Ultimately, the amount you should spend on a pellet grill will depend on your needs and preferences. Consider factors like the size of your cooking area, the types of food you want to cook, and the level of convenience and features you’re looking for. By doing your research and finding the right grill for your needs, you can ensure that you get the best value for your money.
Final thoughts
As we showed above, a reliable pellet grill doesn’t have to be expensive. By choosing a pellet grill under $500, you can enjoy a fun and satisfying barbecue party with your family. When choosing an affordable pellet grill, always make sure that safety is not compromised.
For example, the grill should be stable enough to not tip over. Avoid grills with sharp corners or metal edges. Another safety tip is to always unplug the pellet grill when not in use.

Hi, I’m Jennifer Lawrence, Went to Calhoun High School (Georgia) my goal is to make the kitchen fun by providing a mathematical and logical component to our approach to cooking good food. I look not only at delicious recipes but also at kitchen tools and gadgets to give you the tips and tricks we hope you will find useful. Read More Here
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